Open AccessEndoscopic molecular imaging of cancer
Author(s) -
Towhid Ali,
Peter L. Choyke,
Hisataka Kobayashi
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
future oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.857
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1744-8301
pISSN - 1479-6694
DOI - 10.2217/fon.13.123
Subject(s) - medicine , endoscopy , molecular imaging , medical physics , radiology , white light , optical imaging , in vivo , optics , physics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
White light endoscopy has proven to be a very powerful tool in oncology. There is still, however, a need for better endoscopic techniques to overcome the current limitations of white light optics. New technologies that allow higher sensitivity, improved microanatomy and molecular characterization have been available for in vitro microscopy and are now being translated into in vivo endoscopy. Endoscopic molecular imaging is still in its infancy but holds the promise for enhancing sensitivity for early lesions, thus allowing earlier diagnosis and enabling early image-guided endoscopic intervention. A key feature of endoscopic molecular imaging is its increased sensitivity and specificity, which will be illustrated in this article, as well as describing perspectives on its future use in oncologic surgery.